Gulati announced her departure from the ITV soap in October, and show bosses promised an "explosive exit" for the Weatherfield mum.

In a statement released on itv.com, the 46-year-old commented: "I have loved playing Sunita but, having played the role originally from 2001 to 2005 and then returning to Corrie four years ago, I really feel the time has come for me to focus on other aspects of my career."

Viewers have recently seen Sunita lose grip on her once happy life. She left her husband Dev to be with gambling addict Karl, but will be left hurt as he returns to his previous partner, Rovers landlady Stella.

Could the Corrie stars soon be drinking in The Weatherfield Arms instead? Surely not.